2006 BMW 7 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2006 BMW 7 Series has a complaint index of 71 and ranks 3rd worst out of 8 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Owners most often reported engine problems (28% of complaints), followed by airbag and transmission issues, with two recall campaigns on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 71/100
- #3 of 8 7 Series years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 29
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2006 BMW 7 Series problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine8 (28%)
- Airbags7 (24%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (24%)
- Brakes6 (21%)
- Electrical System4 (14%)
- Structure & Body3 (10%)
- Fuel System2 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (7%)
- Other1 (3%)
- Seat Belts1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine oil consumption forces repeated low-oil warnings and refills over the life of the vehicle.
- Some owners report the engine failing entirely around 59,000 miles, with dealers citing a bad engine block just after warranty expiration.
- The transmission slams into gear during deceleration or slips when the driver lifts off the gas in stop-and-go traffic.
- In one case the vehicle rolled forward briefly after the start/stop button was pressed instead of shifting into park.
- Brake assist can fail suddenly, increasing stopping distance or requiring extra pedal force to stop.
- Driver-side front airbags can be deactivated by a faulty seat mat sensor, similar to a passenger-side issue covered by a separate recall.
2006 BMW 7 Series recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V446000Oct 1, 2010Brakes198,352 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Risk: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on november 24, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 06V277000Jul 26, 2006Suspension, Wheels & Tires11,640 vehicles
Suspension:rear:shock absorber
On certain passenger vehicles, the lower rubber mount of the rear shock absorbers may not have been manufactured to specifications and may not adhere correctly to its housing within the shock absorber.
Risk: The bushing could loosen and over time could separate from its housing. The driver will experience impaired vehicle handling and control increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber free of charge. The recall began on september 13, 2006. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
2006 compared with other 7 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 BMW 7 Series reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 model carries a Caution verdict with a complaint index of 71, ranking 3rd worst among the 8 model years with data. Engine problems were the top complaint area, making up 28% of reports.
- What problems does the 2006 BMW 7 Series have?
- NHTSA complaints point mainly to engine issues (28% of complaints, median mileage 59,000), followed by airbags and transmission/powertrain problems, each at 24%. Brakes were also a notable concern at 21%.
- Does the 2006 BMW 7 Series have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2006 7 Series: one for a leaking brake vacuum pump check valve and another for improperly specified rear shock absorber mounts. Neither is classified as a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2006 7 Series compare to other years?
- The 2006 model's complaint index of 71 is worse than 2005 (43), 2007 (57), and every year from 2010 onward, but better than 2008 (86) and 2009 (100), which carry Avoid verdicts.